When an offensive player has a career year, playing time is often created for him. But the Boston Red Sox have a lot of players coming off superb years, and not enough playing time to go around.

Mike Carp, who found tremendous success in limited playing time with the Red Sox in 2013, could still be traded before Opening Day, according to a source.

Carp is 27, an age often considered the beginning of a hitter's prime, and hit .296 with an .885 OPS in 216 at-bats in 2013. When the Red Sox signed first baseman Mike Napoli to a two-year deal earlier this offseason, it became less likely that Carp would have an every-day role in Boston. He was an important piece off the bench last season and the Red Sox value him as a depth option, but there are still teams looking for a first baseman who might be able to use Carp in a more regular role.

Carp filed for salary arbitration on Tuesday and has until Friday to come to an agreement with the Red Sox, otherwise the two sides would go to an arbitration panel to determine his salary for 2014. While some players sign contract extensions to avoid arbitration, there is "zero chance" Carp signs an extension with the Red Sox, according to the source.

The Red Sox still have 2 1/2 months before Opening Day to finalize their 2014 roster, and Carp could be one of the moving pieces left.

It's been a strange offseason due to the delay in the starting pitching market. Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka is expected to sign before the end of January, and that could set off the dominos for Ubaldo Jimenez, Matt Garza and Ervin Santana to find teams. The Red Sox should then have a better idea of the value of their starting pitchers, as they look for a suitable trading partner.

While one general manager indicated in December that the Red Sox have appeared unwilling to discuss trades for Carp or Daniel Nava in the past, Carp has significant value after a career year and he comes with an inexpensive salary, which is expected to be around $1.3 million in 2014, according to MLB Trade Rumors. He isn't eligible for free agency until 2017.

The Red Sox struck gold with Carp when they acquired him from the Seattle Mariners last February and then watched him flourish while playing mostly against right-handed hitters. Manager John Farrell often spoke highly of Carp's swing and ability to succeed in a part-time role.